Is biofreeze the same as Voltaren?

Biofreeze contains menthol, and like other menthol-containing products, it alleviates pain via counter-irritation, specifically cooling the surface of the skin. Voltaren instead treats pain by temporarily blocking the production of pain-signaling chemicals called prostaglandins.

What is comparable to Voltaren?

Voltaren gel's active ingredient is diclofenac, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It helps lower inflammation (swelling) around the area where you apply it. Aspercreme and Volteran gel are both available as brand-name medications. But you can also find them as lower-cost generics.

Why was Voltaren taken off the market?

A slew of studies, though, show diclofenac — sold under the brand names Voltaren, Cambia, Cataflam and Zipsor — is just as likely to cause a heart attack as the discredited painkiller Vioxx (rofecoxib), which was pulled from the U.S. market in 2004.

Is biofreeze an anti-inflammatory?

Biofreeze therapy works similarly to ice in reducing inflammation and improving circulation, but offers more powerful, comfortable, convenient, and long-lasting pain relief.

What is generic for Voltaren?

Generic Name: diclofenac sodium

The enteric-coated tablet form of diclofenac is used to reduce pain, swelling (inflammation), and joint stiffness from arthritis. Reducing these symptoms helps you do more of your normal daily activities. Diclofenac is known as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).

Voltaren vs Biofreeze WHICH IS BETTER? PHARMACIST COMPARES

Is there an OTC equivalent to Voltaren?

If you want a topical medication but Voltaren isn't the best option, other topical OTC products are also available. Possible options include: Aspercreme (trolamine salicylate), a topical medication that's like aspirin. Lidocaine patches, a local numbing medication.

When should you not use Biofreeze?

Do not use on open wounds, broken skin, or irritated skin. Rinse with water if this medicine gets in your eyes or mouth. Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.

Where should you not use Biofreeze?

Wash your hands well after applying unless you are using this medication to treat the hands. Avoid getting this medication in your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you do get the medication in those areas, flush with plenty of water.

Can too much Biofreeze be harmful?

What happens if I overdose? An overdose of menthol is not expected to be dangerous. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.

Who should not use Voltaren cream?

For example, you should not use Voltaren: If you have any heart issues or are at risk for adverse events such as heart attack and stroke. If you have allergies to this drug or other pain or fever aids such as aspirin. Before or after heart surgery4.

Does Voltaren gel get into the bloodstream?

As a topical gel, a smaller amount of diclofenac from Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel reaches the bloodstream compared with the oral form of diclofenac. In a clinical study, the systemic exposure with Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel was 6%, or 94% less than the systemic exposure with the oral NSAID diclofenac.

Why can't you use Voltaren on your shoulder?

It's a potent medication that is very effective for many people and is often used for arthritis pain. For superficial joints – like hands, wrists and even knees – it can be very effective. However, the joints of the cervical spine in the neck, and most of the shoulder joint, are deeper than the Voltaren can penetrate.

What is strongest anti-inflammatory?

What is the strongest anti-inflammatory medication? Research shows diclofenac is the strongest and most effective non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicine available.10 Diclofenec is sold under the prescription brand names Cambia, Cataflam, Zipsor, and Zorvolex.

Does Voltaren reduce inflammation or just pain?

Like other NSAIDs, Voltaren (diclofenac) works by reducing inflammation in the body. When taken in oral form, it's used to treat pain related to such forms of arthritis as osteoarthrtis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. The oral version of this drug is still available only by prescription.

Why can't I use Voltaren gel on my back?

It reduces inflammation and pain. Voltaren gel is approved for use on arm and leg joints only. It has not been studied for use in the hips or spine. You should not use Voltaren gel to treat muscle pain in other areas of the body, such as the lower back.

Can I leave Biofreeze on overnight?

Carefully remove remaining film while pressing the patch to skin and leave in place for up to 8 hours. Use on affected area not more than 3 to 4 times daily.

Does Biofreeze get rid of pain?

BioFreeze is an analgesic that relieves pain through a menthol-induced cooling process. Unlike medications and surgical procedures, it relieves pain naturally for conditions such as overworked muscles, chronic back pain, or arthritis.

Does Biofreeze heal or just numb?

The cold therapy of Biofreeze works by causing ligand molecules to attach themselves to your nerve's cold receptors, which effectively helps to numb the area, interfering with pain signals traveling to the brain.

How many hours does Biofreeze last?

How long does it take Biofreeze to wear off? The Biofreeze Patch provides relief for 8 hours after application. All other Biofreeze products (gel, spray, roll-on, and cream) effects can last up to 5 hours after application.

Which form of Biofreeze works best?

Number 1: Biofreeze Professional is the strongest and best of the three pain reliever gels reviewed here. It is easy to apply with the rolled ball applicator.

Does Biofreeze interfere with any medications?

A total of 0 drugs are known to interact with Biofreeze. Biofreeze is in the drug class topical rubefacient. Biofreeze is used to treat Pain.

Is Aspercreme and Voltaren the same thing?

Aspercreme, Icy Hot, and Bengay may all be used to treat backaches, muscle soreness, strains, sprains, and bruises. In contrast, Voltaren is used to specifically treat joint pain on the hands, wrists, elbows, knees, ankles, and feet.

Which is better for inflammation Voltaren or ibuprofen?

In a meta-analysis from the Journal of Arthritis Research and Therapy, diclofenac was found to be more effective than ibuprofen for arthritic pain relief. The study reviewed data from 176 studies with over 146,524 patients.

Where should you not put Voltaren gel?

Apply the medicine very carefully to clean, dry skin, and avoid getting any in your eyes, nose, or mouth. Do not apply this medicine to areas with broken skin or open wounds, infection, or severely peeling skin. Apply enough medicine each time to cover the entire affected area.